Community Passes Elmhurst Park District Referendum
As of November 5, 2024, the majority of Elmhurst Park District voters answered “yes” to the bond referendum request to raise revenue to improve, equip and maintain parks and facilities throughout the District, including replacing the Wagner Community Center; building a community bandshell at Wilder Park; adding permanent, heated restrooms at three parks and along the Prairie Path; and converting a grass field to artificial turf at Berens Park.
The new Wagner Community Center will accommodate more residents and feature:
- Free three-lane walking/jogging track
- Gymnasium for pickleball, basketball, volleyball and other sports
- Artificial turf field for soccer, football, baseball and other sports
- Larger spaces for dance and gymnastics programs
- Flexible multi-purpose spaces for more programming and community gatherings
- Indoor play area for children
- Dedicated early childhood and preschool spaces with a secure entrance
“Our residents have been an essential part of this process from the beginning, sharing their vision during the Elevate Elmhurst Parks planning, providing feedback on projects during multiple open houses, answering our voter survey and then voting,” said Kevin Graf, Park Board President. “We are pleased to be able to deliver their vision.”
With the community’s approval of the bond request, the Park District will complete design development for the Wagner Community Center along with the other projects in 2025. At the same time, plans will be made to temporarily relocate programs and services currently held at the Wagner Center beginning in fall 2025. Construction on the new Wagner Center is expected to start in 2026 with the new facility opening in fall 2027. The community bandshell, year-round heated restrooms, and upgrading a grass field to artificial turf will be completed in 2026-2028.
Check this webpage and regularly follow us on social media to stay up to date on progress and details.
October 2025 Progress Report
Wagner Community Center (WCC) Project
- Planned Unit Development for project approved by Elmhurst Planning and Zoning Commission and forwarded to Development, Zoning, and Planning Committee of the City Council.
- Construction documents 95% complete.
- Elmhurst City Council approved a vacation of a portion of Crockett Avenue to the Park District to facilitate construction of the new facility.
- First two bid packages for the project, Demolition and Precast Concrete, issued for bid with a scheduled opening on October 10.
Wagner Community Center (WCC) Relocation
- 185 Industrial Drive Rental Property
- Rooftop HVAC units installed.
- Drywall installation for gymnastics and dance area nearly complete.
- Packing begun for move-out from existing community center.
Eldridge Park Restroom Building
- Construction in progress with most underground utilities installed.
- Foundation for building completed and walls under construction.
Wilder Park Bandshell with Restrooms
- Board voted to have Upland and Dewberry develop concept plans for each of three locations (with bandshell design), one is east of Wilder Mansion and one facing north and one facing south from what is considered the old ice-skating area.
- Upland and Dewberry working on the concept planning phase.
Prairie Path Restroom Building
- Open House to garner community input on location scheduled for Tuesday, October 21 from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. at the Wilder Mansion.
- 470 postcards mailed inviting residents to attend.
- Developing a community survey to be launched following open house.
